A study on dimensions of basmati rice cultivation in 13 districts of Agri - Export Zone (AEZ) of Uttar Pradesh and 4 districts of Uttranchal was conducted for three consecutive years (2003 to 2005). The study covered 76 blocks and 275 farmers were interviewed in each year. Study covered traditional varieties of basmati rice like Pakistani basmati, B.C. 370, T-3 and Taraori cultivated only in few pockets of AEZ & selected districts of Uttranchal. Non-traditional varieties like P.B.-1 covered 85-90 % of the area under basmati rice in the AEZ of Uttar Pradesh. Non-traditional varieties have higher productivity and given higher profit to the farmer inspite of lower price and farmers are increasing area under non-traditional varieties of basmati rice. The promotional efforts of government have been very limited and farmers expected for minimum support price (MSP), purchase guarantee and distribution of good quality seed from department of agriculture (DOA). Private companies exporting Basmati rice purchase the produce at lower price. The farmers desire government interventions for proper organisation of contract farming in the zone.

Keyword: Basmati Rice; Agri -Export Zone;